Queensland great Darren Lockyer says nobody in the Maroons camp, least of all coach Mal Meninga, would be concerned about the less than stellar form of their biggest stars ahead of Wednesday’s State of Origin opener.
Of Queensland’s six biggest names, five are coming into rugby league’s toughest arena with lacklustre NRL results behind them.
Johnathan Thurston, considered the best half in the game, has failed to spark his North Queensland outfit to any great heights in 2013.
The Cowboys, who also boast the Maroons’ forwards leader Matt Scott and winger Brent Tate, sit just one win above the last-placed Warriors – and have lost their past three clashes.
Even defending premiers Melbourne, and their Maroons’ big three of Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk, recently went through a period so flat coach Craig Bellamy accused them of losing hunger for the game.
Only Dally M leader Greg Inglis, setting new marks for brilliance for the table-topping South Sydney, can rank amongst the big-name Queenslanders at the top of his game right now.
None of which matters to Lockyer. And nor should it to Meninga either, the champion five-eighth argues.
“I’ve seen plenty of examples where form at club level doesn’t mean much at Origin level,” Lockyer told AAP.
“I’ve seen guys perform poorly at club level and come in and play a blinder at Origin. It’s not a major concern.
“Some of the individuals would probably (want to come in with better form). Confidence helps, in your mind.
“And if those guys were winning footy games prior to coming into camp it might have put them in a bit more of a positive light.
“But at the end of the day it comes down to what happens on the night and I’ve got 100 per cent confidence in those guys.”
Lockyer reserved special praise for Thurston, who will break Gary Larson’s record of 24 consecutive Origin appearances in game one of this series, describing him as one of the toughest players he’s come across.
“To break (Larson’s) record … that’s a massive effort,” Lockyer said.
“It’s a tough game, Origin. And that’s a testament to JT and his toughness.
“He’s a talent and he’s skilful, everyone knows that.
“But he’s as tough as anyone as well. It’s one thing that a lot of people overlook with him.
“I’ve seen some incredible things that he’s done that have been tough over the years.
“He’s a competitor as well. Chuck in all his skill, and his competitiveness and toughness … that’s what makes him who he is.”
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